Two heavyweights now ‘in the mix’ to be Tyson Fury’s opponent in comeback fight

With Tyson Fury’s recent retirement consigned to history, attention has quickly turned to who will share the ring with him when he finally returns.

The former heavyweight champion has not fought since December 2024, when his bid to become the first undisputed British heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis ended in defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. The Ukrainian made a difficult decision in May before prevailing again seven months later, this time with only three world titles at stake.

With Usyk exploring a potential defense against Deontay Wilder and newly crowned WBO champion Fabio Wardley preparing for the first defense of his belt, Fury (34-2-1, 24 KOs) knows any immediate title opportunities will have to wait. After 13 months out of the ring, the 36-year-old is expected to put in a warm-up fight before embarking on another run at the top.

Names have now emerged as potential opponents. When professional boxing fans pitched the trio of Arslanbek Mahmudov (21-2, 19 KO), Efe Ajagba (20-1-1, 14 KO) and Tony Yoka (15-3, 12 KO) to Fury’s manager, Spencer Brown, his response was brief but telling.

“Yes, they’re all in the mix.”

However, since the interview, Dan Raphael has reported that Agaba – who last tied with Scotland-based Congolese contender Martin Bakoli – will head up Zova Busting’s card in February, becoming one of the first batch to sign Dana White and TKO.

While the final decision will rest with ‘The Gypsy King’, Brown insists Fury is keen to return and is showing encouraging signs in training as he prepares for the 38th round of his professional career.

“It’s up to Tyson who he wants to fight, right? And I don’t think he cares which one he fights. He’s not bothered. But it makes sense? Who’s ready to go? I know Tyson’s ready to go. He’s training. He’s trained hard. He looks great. He’s laughing. He’s joking. He’s back to his old self.”

Mahmudov strengthened his position by defeating Briton Dave Allen in Sheffield last October. Yoka, a former Olympic gold medalist, also enters the frame after signing with Queensberry and putting together a four-fight winning streak against lowly opposition, as he attempts to reignite a professional career that has so far failed to meet early expectations.

For Fury, the names may be different, but the goal remains the same: shake off the rust, remind the division of his existence, and position himself for a final tilt toward heavyweight supremacy.